Snow and Upgrades

I'm snowed in. The weather fairy finally awoke from her slumber and decided to pelt New York with enough snow to make up for the previous mild few months. But I can hardly complain as I lie here in my apartment, warm and toasty, watching the snowflakes fall.

A thought I had recently was that when I graduate, and I'm able to get a decent job (a big if in this economy), some of the difficulties I currently have will be a distant memory. Not having a washing machine and dryer - or a dishwasher for example. I hope I have the presence of mind to reflect on my past when the day comes that I can just whisk my dishes into the washing machine for a magically effortless journey to cleanliness. Or when I can just walk into another room with my laundry basket instead of braving the cold.

I probably will have that moment of reflection before I return to my usual routine, which will be a whirlwind of business if I know myself. I tend to appreciate what I have. Every day when I wake up next to my boyfriend, I am thrilled that he's there. That I get to start my day with him in my life. Whenever I return home from school or work, I smile just thinking about the fact that oh my gosh I have my own apartment. The novelty has worn off when it comes to having a car. I used to feel giddy, almost high every time I turned the key in the ignition. But that was my old car, before its tragic demise. My new car is nicer and certainly runs better. But it is no longer the symbol of my freedom. My apartment is.

With every upgrade I hope I reflect just a little on the past. The material things are great, but they are more important to me as symbols of accomplishment. And who knows, I may just look back and miss the days of being able to sleep 'till noon on the weekends as I load several laundry baskets into the washer. College years can be a pain, but there are certain freedoms that are easily taken for granted.